Glassbedding is a method to increase accuracy. When done, stresses are eliminated between the metal parts and the stock. "Stress" is usually caused by one part being forced to do something it does not want to do. If the relationship between the barreled action, the stock and the bottom metal is not perfect, then the action will be bent when the guard screws are tightened.
We try eliminate to these stresses by pouring a liquid goo of our choosing between the action and the stock and waiting for it to dry. Once dry and all the parts are cleaned and reassembled (including all the other necessary fitting of parts), we trot off to the range to compare targets from both before and after the addition of our magical liquid goo. Most try to guess their results relying on their experience in bedding.
If the rifle is bedded correctly there is no need to torque a stock screw, it serves no purpose and can be detrimental to accuracy. "Torquing" is used to overcome imperfections, but we strive for perfection. Once bedded correctly get your itty-bitty screwdriver and with two fingers tighten the stock screws, all you're trying to do is keep the action from bouncing around. Adding a drop of thread-locker is preferable over extra tightening.
One way to check for stresses is to used a dial indicator that has a magnetic base attached. The dial indicator will show errors in bedding as small as the increments on the dial. It's use is simple but care must be exercised to achieve true results. A pressure point in the forend will null-and-void this measurement, so remove it, add it later if you want a pressure point. Also remove the magazine spring and follower, the pressure applied to the bottom of the bolt will affect readings.
When you are ready to measure, flip the rifle upside down and put the barrel in a padded vise, leave a couple of inches between the forend tip and the vise. Set the magnetic base directly on the barrel and rest the indicator tip on the "bottom" of the forearm. Zero the indicator. Loosen and tighten each guard screw one at a time. If they are both loosened at one time the stock will want to fall off, so...one at a time. Check the readings and record them for each screw. If there is stress, when the screws are loosened the action will want to move back to it's relaxed position and will move the needle. If the needle "bounces" it can indicated a bent guard screw or bind on the screw. For "target" guns we strive to keep the needle between 0.000" and 0.001", for hunting guns 0.001" to 0.002" is fine.
We try eliminate to these stresses by pouring a liquid goo of our choosing between the action and the stock and waiting for it to dry. Once dry and all the parts are cleaned and reassembled (including all the other necessary fitting of parts), we trot off to the range to compare targets from both before and after the addition of our magical liquid goo. Most try to guess their results relying on their experience in bedding.
If the rifle is bedded correctly there is no need to torque a stock screw, it serves no purpose and can be detrimental to accuracy. "Torquing" is used to overcome imperfections, but we strive for perfection. Once bedded correctly get your itty-bitty screwdriver and with two fingers tighten the stock screws, all you're trying to do is keep the action from bouncing around. Adding a drop of thread-locker is preferable over extra tightening.
One way to check for stresses is to used a dial indicator that has a magnetic base attached. The dial indicator will show errors in bedding as small as the increments on the dial. It's use is simple but care must be exercised to achieve true results. A pressure point in the forend will null-and-void this measurement, so remove it, add it later if you want a pressure point. Also remove the magazine spring and follower, the pressure applied to the bottom of the bolt will affect readings.
When you are ready to measure, flip the rifle upside down and put the barrel in a padded vise, leave a couple of inches between the forend tip and the vise. Set the magnetic base directly on the barrel and rest the indicator tip on the "bottom" of the forearm. Zero the indicator. Loosen and tighten each guard screw one at a time. If they are both loosened at one time the stock will want to fall off, so...one at a time. Check the readings and record them for each screw. If there is stress, when the screws are loosened the action will want to move back to it's relaxed position and will move the needle. If the needle "bounces" it can indicated a bent guard screw or bind on the screw. For "target" guns we strive to keep the needle between 0.000" and 0.001", for hunting guns 0.001" to 0.002" is fine.
